Grubs Bowline Boots
5th Jun 2025
These are one of the more interesting outdoor products I have reviewed. They generate a lot of comments! Aimed at splashing around in rock pools and boulder hopping on the coast, they are a kind of cut-off welly. Waterproof and insulated, but sitting only just above the ankle.
There's a stylish retro feel to them which sits well enough with me and has resulted in lots of compliments, but my boys aren't keen at all. They are little Marmite on that front. Fortunately I love them so I will wear them.
Assuming them to be good on all wet rock,, their first outing was along a rocky path by a river in Snowdonia. I was surprised at how slippery the rubber sole was. Unlike most wellies and walking boots the tread is fairly smooth, so without any natural friction they weren't great in that environment. I took them to the coast expecting more of the same, but was very pleasantly surprised to find that they performed much, much better. The rubber gripped the rock of the Llyn Peninsula very well, I kept my feet dry and warm, and had a thoroughly good afternoon exploring and coasteering the Porth Dinllaen peninsula. A four hour outing in them left me with no rubbing or discomfort and I was perfectly happy driving in them and mooching around the supermarket on our way home.
They are available in a range of colours on the Grubs website.